Composite decking is quickly becoming the most popular decking material amongst homeowners. Made by trusted manufacturers like Trex, it offers the realistic feel and appearance of a wood deck but with much more durability and much less maintenance.

But how much will all those benefits cost you? Below, we’ll break down the cost of Trex composite decking in terms of initial investment and lifetime value — because sometimes the “cheapest” options aren’t actually the cheapest!

how much does composite decking cost?

Photo courtesy of Trex

3 Main Factors Behind Deck Pricing

With any type of deck, there are usually three main factors that influence what it will cost.

1. Labor

Many homeowners are surprised to find that the cost to install composite decking can account for up to two-thirds of the total cost of a deck. 

2. Materials

The materials you choose to build with can add up, especially when you account for any railings, hardware, and add-ons.

3. Size

The size and shape of your deck help determine the materials you’ll need and the amount of labor it will take to install. Simply put, the bigger and more complex the design, the more expensive it will be. Composite decking is typically priced per square foot.

How Much Does Trex Composite Decking Cost?

As we look at composite decking specifically, the cost can of course vary based on the factors listed above, but they do tend to follow a consistent trend. Below, we’ll outline the upfront cost, maintenance cost, and lifespan of a Trex composite deck to give you a comprehensive overview of its lifetime value.

how much does Trex decking cost?

Photo courtesy of Trex

Upfront Cost

Composite decking usually comes with a higher upfront cost than other decking materials. For example, Trex estimates their composite decking to cost an average of $9 – $16 per square foot. This only factors in the cost of materials, not installation labor. 

But while this initial investment may seem high, it proves to be worth every cent over time. The following sections will tell you why. 

Maintenance Cost

The best part about composite decking is that it requires very little maintenance. It’s made from a combination of recycled wood and resin, which means it doesn’t require any staining or sealing, ever. 

When all that’s required to keep your deck looking and functioning nicely is a gentle soap-and-water wash every few years, your maintenance costs are slim to none. This leaves you plenty of time and money to enjoy your outdoor living space without the hassle of cleaning and repairs.

Lifespan

The lifespan of your composite deck will vary based on the manufacturer, but it’s almost always going to be longer than a deck made with natural wood. From a trusted brand like Trex, your composite deck is guaranteed to last between 25-30 years! Trex even offers a 25-year warranty to guarantee a high level of performance.

Overall Lifetime Value

All that being said, Trex composite decking does cost a good amount of money upfront, but that initial investment is sure to be worth it over time. It requires the least amount of maintenance and lasts the longest of any other decking material on the market.

If you’d like to get an even more detailed idea of what your composite deck may cost, check out Trex’s Decking Cost Calculator.

4 Money-Smart Tips for Saving on Your Composite Deck

Interested in a composite deck but want to reduce the initial cost as much as possible? Here are a few tips to earn some savings:

  • Be smart about installation labor – Many homeowners choose to build their decks DIY-style to save on installation costs. While this is a great idea, most manufacturers don’t recommend it for composite decking. Instead, you could try hiring a deck builder to install it in the off-season when prices are lower.
  • Choose a simple layout – Instead of choosing an elaborate, curved layout for your deck, plan something more standard and straight. The simple design will reduce installation time and costs but still give you a clean, sleek appeal.
  • Explore your financing options – There are plenty of deck financing options out there, from loans to credit lines. While these don’t always necessarily help you save money, they do break that initial cost down into digestible payments. Look for one that works best for you in terms of interest rate and payback period.
  • Be creative with design – There are plenty of ways to up your deck’s design without upping its cost. For example, choosing a mix-and-match color scheme can bring dimension without having to build a layout that’s more difficult and expensive to install.

Trex color options

Pictured: Trex color options

Get High-value Trex Decking Materials at Zeeland Lumber & Supply

Composite decking is a great, durable choice for your outdoor living space. While it does cost more than traditional wood options, a composite deck will provide the most value in the long run. 

At Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we’re proud to supply Trex decking to our customers. Give us a call or contact us online to talk through its benefits with one of our experts.

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